Brief Midweek Thaw for Atlanta Before Potent Weekend Ice Threat

Morning: A Frigid Start to a Warmer Day

Atlanta residents are waking up to a very cold start this Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Early morning temperatures hovered around 27°F to 29°F, with wind chill values making it feel like the low 20s. Due to these freezing conditions, the City of Atlanta has kept several warming centers open through 10:00 a.m. today, including facilities at Central Park Recreation Center and Old Adamsville Recreation Center. As the sun rises, the initial clear skies will begin to give way to increasing cloud cover. Despite the frosty start, the morning will see a steady climb in temperature, reaching the low 40s by 11:00 a.m.

Afternoon: Clouds Build as Temperatures Rise

By the afternoon, Atlanta will experience a significant shift compared to the biting cold of earlier in the week. The mercury is expected to peak between 54°F and 57°F, offering a much-needed reprieve. However, it won't be a perfectly sunny day; cloud cover will thicken throughout the afternoon as moisture begins to move into the region from the Gulf. Winds will remain relatively light, shifting to the southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Public health officials have also noted poor air quality today, which may affect sensitive groups, so those with respiratory issues should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the warmest part of the day.

Evening and Night: Showers Arrive Late

As we head into the evening, the atmosphere will turn increasingly damp. While the early evening hours should remain dry with temperatures in the high 40s, the chance of precipitation will rise sharply after 11:00 p.m. Light rain and occasional showers are predicted for the overnight hours, with a 50% chance of rain by early Thursday morning. Tonight’s low will be significantly milder than previous nights, bottoming out around 42°F to 43°F. This blanket of clouds and moisture will prevent the deep freeze seen earlier this week.

Weekend Outlook: Significant Winter Storm Alert

While today offers a temporary break from the cold, local meteorologists are sounding the alarm for a major weather event this coming weekend. A potent winter storm is currently tracking toward North Georgia, with the potential to bring a destructive ice storm to the metro Atlanta area starting Saturday. Current predictions include:

• A high probability of freezing rain, sleet, and potentially snow across North Georgia.
• Precipitation totals between 1 to 2 inches, which could lead to significant ice accumulation.
• Threats of widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions from Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
• A sharp return to Arctic temperatures by Sunday night, with lows dropping back into the 20s.

Residents are encouraged to use today’s milder weather to finalize emergency kits and ensure they have adequate supplies before the wintry mix arrives this weekend.